Switch control means

ABSTRACT

A new and improved switch controller is described which permits any one of a predetermined number of switch controlled devices to be actuated in any one of a predetermined number of states. In the embodiment described, a rotary switch having a predetermined number of positions is interconnected with a plurality of pushbutton switches, so that for any position of the rotary switch one of four push-button switches may be selectively actuated. Each push-button switch can actuate the winding of a relay which in turn closes its associated contacts to provide current to the solenoid of a solenoid activated device. Thus, the rotary switch selects the apparatus to be actuated, while the selected pushbutton switch determines which solenoid winding associated with the selected apparatus will be energized with current. Described in conjunction with the aforesaid switch control device is a particular solenoid actuated device, comprising a unit for operating hydraulic valve box plungers.

United States Patent 1191 Nightengale May 1, 1973 SWITCH CONTROL MEANS[76] Inventor: Charles D. Nightengale, Rural Route [57] ABSTRACT BOX 70,Scott City, Kans- 67871 A new and improved switch controller isdescribed [22] Filed; Jam 7 1972 which permits any one of apredetermined number of switch controlled devices to be actuated in anyone of [21] Appl- 216,134 a predetermined number of states. In theembodiment described, a rotary switch having a predetermined 52 U.S. Cl..200/4, 200/6 A, 317/137 number of positions is interconnected with aplurality 51 Int. c1. ..H0lh 3/02 of push-button switches, so that for yposition of the [58] Field of Search ..200/4, 6 A; 317/137, rotaryswitch one of four push-button switches y be 317/157, 155.5; 307/115selectively actuated. Each push-button switch can actuate the winding ofa relay which in turn closes its as [56] References Cited sociatedcontacts to provide current to the solenoid of a solenoid activateddevice. Thus, the rotary switch UNITED STATES PATENTS selects theapparatus to be actuated, while the 3,293,381 12/1966 Eitel ..200/6 ASelected Push-button Switch determines which Sele- 2,62l,24l .12/1952Jensen ...3l7/137X noid winding associated with the selected apparatus3,623,533 1971 Schimanckasn will be energized with current. Described inconjunc- 2,453,035 11/1948 Ponsy ..200/6 A Primary Examiner.l. D. MillerAssistant Examiner-Harry E. Moose, Jr. Attorney-Hyman Berman et al.

tion with the aforesaid switch control device is a particular solenoidactuated device, comprising a unit for operating hydraulic valve boxplungers.

11 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures v Maia Patented May 1, 1973 v 4Sheets-Sheet 1 F! G. a.

Patented May 1, 1973 Q 3,731,013

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented May 1, 1973 4 Sheets-Sheet T) Patented Ma1,1973, I 3,731,013

, 4 Sheets-Sheet L FIG. "8.

3 l-lvomuuc VAL vs BOX swrrcn CONTROL MEANS This invention relates to aswitch control unit, and in particular to a switch control unitemploying in combination, a rotary selector switch and a plurality ofselectively actuated push-button switches. This arrangement providesgreat flexibility and adaptability in selectively controlling a numberof operating modes of a single machine, or in selectively controllingthe operation of a number of separate apparatuses.

In many situations it is highly desirable to utilize a control unitwhich can be readily manipulated by a single hand of the operator and atthe same time provide all the control functions which a plurality ofseparately aetuable switches would provide. A need for this type ofcontrol unit has been particularly felt where heavy machinery isinvolved and one hand of the operator is continually engaged in drivingthe apparatus, leaving only one hand free for performing themanipulative steps required to effect the control function. An exampleof such machinery, is the heavy earth moving rig, commonly used in largescale farming operations. Not only must the operator drive this heavypiece of equipment, but he must also be able to selectively actuate thecomponent parts of the earth mover, commonly known as the scrapers. Inone known form of earth moving rig, three separate scrapers areutilized, although in larger varieties of this machine many morescrapers may be employed. Since each scraper requires two separatehydraulic valve banks for its operation, each of which is controlled bytwo separate windings, it can be seen that in order to select theparticular scraper to be actuated and then select the valve bank andcoil of the scraper, a great many separate switches would be required.Similar problems are encountered in other types of heavy machinery or inany other area where complex switching control functions are required.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new andimproved switching control unit which can be easily manipulated by theuser to effect a plurality of switching functions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a switching control unitwhich is compact and capable of performing complex switching functionswithout requiring a plurality of separate switches.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a switchingcontrol unit particularly adapted for use in heavy machinery such asearth moving equipment.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedswitch control unit which can be readily adapted for use in conjunctionwith hydraulic valve box actuators.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will bemore readily appreciated from a consideration of the followingspecification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the switch control unit of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a partially broken away top view of the switch control unit ofthe present invention as viewed in the direction of the arrows 22 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 in FIG. 1 as viewedin the direction of the arrows thereon;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on the lines 44 in FIG. 1 as viewed inthe direction of the arrows thereon;

FIG. 5 is a view of the rotary switch of the present invention as viewedin the direction of arrows 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a broken away detail taken on the line 6-6 in FIG. 3 as viewedin the direction of the arrows thereon;

FIG. 7 is a wiring diagram for a typical application of the switchcontrol unit of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an hydraulic valve box actuator used inconnection with the wiring diagram in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an end view as viewed from the left of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic valve box actuatortaken along lines 33 in FIG. 8, as viewed in the direction of the arrowsthereon.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, there is shown the preferredembodiment of the switch control unit 10 of the present invention. Asshown best in FIGS. 1 and 4, a joy stick control comprises knob 11 andshaft 12, which is free to rotate within hollow stem.20. Hollow stem 20is fixedly secured to ball 22 of ball and socket joint 26. Secured toshaft 12 for rotation therewith is contact arm 23 for contacting one ofa plurality of switch positions 24a through h of rotary switch 16disposed within outer casing 13. Shaft 12 is constrained from movingupward or downward with respect to hollow stem 20 by collar arrangement28.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface of casing 13 is provided withdisplay means, 14a, 14b and 14a for indicating the position of contactarm 23 on rotary switch 16. While only three positions are indicated in.the particular embodiment described, it should be realized that anynumber of positions could be so indicated. In the embodiment described,position 14a indicates that contact arm 23 is in contact with theposition of rotary switch 16 for activating the front scraper ofassociated earth moving equipment, 14b similarly indicates energizationof the back scraper and 14c indicates the neutral or off position.Indicating means 14a, b and 0 may comprise signal lamps or otherconventional means for providing a visual indication of the position ofcontact arm 23. If electrical indicating means are utilized, it shouldbe realized that an electrical interconnection between indicating means14a, b and 0 would be provided with the corresponding contact positionson rotary switch 16, which will be more fully described hereinbelow.

Also provided in the cover portion of casing 13 are orthogonallydisposed slots 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d which constrain the movement of thejoy stick assembly in conjunction with ball and socket joint26, in

one of four directions, corresponding to the location of fourpush-button switches mounted at the corners of bottom plate 27 of casing13.

As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4, push-button switches 18a, 18b, 18c and18d are mounted atthe four corners of bottom plate 27 of casing 13.Mounted on hollow stem 20 and disposed over and in operatingrelationship to each of the aforesaid push-button switches [80, 18b, 18cand 18d are corresponding contact arms 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d. Thus, whenthe joy stick assembly is pivoted in ball and socket joint 26, throughmanipulation of knob 11 into one of the slots 15a, 15b, or 15d, thecontact arm'17 in alignment with the corresponding slot 15 will beforced against its associated push-button switch 18, closing the switch.Spring-loaded constraining members 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d are attached tocorresponding contact arms 17a, b, c and d to retain the contact arms ina neutral position when the joy stick assembly is out of engagement withany of the slots a, b, c or d. As shown in FIG. 3, upstanding flangesare provided on either side of contact arm 17d to prevent the contactarm assembly from rotating out of its aligned position with push-buttonswitches 18a, b, c and d. This relationship, among the contact arm 17d,push-button switch 18d, springloaded keeper 19d and flange 25 is shownin detail in FIG. 6.

Rotary switch 16 comprises an insulating base 16a having disposedthereon a plurality of contact points 24a through 241' for engagementwith contact arm 23. Electrically connected to each of contact points24a to 241' are electrical terminals 21a through 2li which are utilizedto complete the electrical connections to the associated circuitry. Asshown in FIG. 4, electrical terminal 2li is unconnected, correspondingto the neutral or off position MC in FIG. 2 while the terminal 21a, aswell as one other terminal (not shown) is electrically connected to thecircuitry, as will more fully be explained hereinbelow. Insulating baseplate 160 of rotary switch 16 is attached to hollow stem 20 byconventional means such as set screw 31.

FIG. 5 shows in detail the above-described relationship between contactpoints 24a through i and terminals 21a through i. While eight terminalsand one neutral or off position are shown, as explained above, in theparticular embodiment described, only two contact points and terminalsand the off or neutral position are utilized. As shown in FIG. 4,metallic base plate 27 of casing 13 is electrically grounded. Sincecontact arm 23 is in electrical contact with the base plate through stem20 and ball and socket joint 26, it too will be at ground potential. Ofcourse, some other means might also be used to ground contact arm 23.Thus, when shaft 12 is rotated within hollow stem 20, contact arm 23will be rotated along with it due to the connection between these twoparts and ground will be successively applied to each of contact points24 and electrical terminals 21. As will be more fully explained below,in connection with the electrical wiring diagram of FIG. 7, theapplication of ground to electrical terminals 21 serves to select eitherthe front or back scraper, in the particular example chosen, while theapplication of ground through the closure of one of the push-buttonswitches 18a, 18b, 18c or 18d serves to'apply current to one of the foursolenoid windings associated with each scraper. As shown in FIG. 4,electrical conductors 29 and 30 are provided for completing the circuitbetween electrical terminals 21 and the associated circuitry shown inFIG. 7. In the interest of clarity, conductors 29 and 30 are shown asunconnected in FIG. 4, but eight separate leads are illustrated. Asstated above, only two of these leads, in the particular embodimentdescribed, are actually connected. Terminal 21a is connected to thefront scraper actuating relay while terminal 21d is connected to theback scraper actuating relay.

Before proceeding to a description of the electrical wiring diagram ofFIG. 7, the operation of the switching control unit described above inconnection with FIGS.

1 through 6 will be set forth. Assuming the operator of the earth movingrig wishes to actuate the front scraper, he places his hand on knob 11of the switch control unit which is conveniently mounted in theoperators cab, and rotates shaft 12 until indicating means 14a showsthat rotary switch arm 23 has made contact with contact 24a of rotaryswitch 16. The operator will then pivot the joy stick assembly intoengagement with slot 15a, 15b, 15c or 15d, depending on the operation hewishes to perform with the front scraper. Assume that the operatorwishes to perform the function controlled by the solenoid windingassociated with push-button switch 18a. He will then pivot the joy stickassembly into engagement with slot 15a, causing contact arm 17a to closepush-button switch 18a. This will then cause current to be applied tothe selected solenoid winding of the front scraper. In a similar manner,any of the other solenoid windings of the front scraper may be selectedand by rotating shaft 12 so that contact arm 23 engages contact 21d, thesame series of operations may be performed with the back scraper. Itshould be realized, however, that the earth moving rig and front andback scraper description is given as merely exemplary and that theswitch control unit of the present invention may be applied wherever afirst switching selection followed by a second switching selection isdesired.

Turning now to the wiring diagram of FIG. 7, it can be seen that rotaryswitch 16 is schematically illustrated as comprising two on-off switches21a and 21d. These represent respectively, contact arm 23 applyingground to contacts 21a and 21d of rotary switch 16, as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. Push-button switches 18a, b, c and d are also representedas on-off switches.

Associated with switch 210 is relay winding 33 and its associatedcontact 33a which serves to apply B plus voltage via line 35 to thewinding of relay 37, 38, 39 or 40 in order to close one of therespective relay contacts 37a, 38a, 390 or 40a. The closure of switchcontact 37a while contact 33a is closed, serves to apply B plus voltageto the other end of solenoid winding 47, causing current to flowtherethrough. Similarly, closure of contact 380 will cause current toflow through solenoid winding 48, closure of contact 39a will causecurrent to flow through solenoid winding 45 and closure of contact 40awill cause current to flow through solenoid winding 46.

The aforedescribed connections to the solenoid coils of the frontscraper are duplicated with respect to the back scraper. Thus, closingswitch 21d applies ground to the winding of relay 34, causing itsassociated contact 34a to close. This in turn applies B plus voltage vialine 36 to one side of the coils of relays 41, 42, 43 and 44. Dependingupon which of push-button switches 18a, 18b, 18c or 18d is actuated,ground will be applied to the other side of one of relay coils 41, 42,43 or 44, causing the associated contacts 410, 42a, 43a or 44a to close.The closure of contact 41a causes current to flow through back scrapersolenoid winding 49, the closure of contact 42a causes current to flowthrough solenoid winding 50, the closure of contact 43a causes currentto flow through solenoid winding 51 and the closure of contact 44acauses current to flow through solenoid winding 52. Diodes 53 throughare provided in the relay circuits in order to prevent feedback.

Assume then that the operator of the earth moving rig wishes to performan operation with the front scraper initiated by current flow throughsolenoid winding 47. Joy stick assembly 11 and 12 is rotated untilindicator 14a provides an indication that contact arm 23 has madecontact with the position on rotary switch 16 controlling the frontscraper. The operator then pivots the joy stick assembly into engagementwith slot a, causing contact arm 17a to depress push-button switch 18a.This sequence of operations will first cause switch 210 in FIG. 7 toclose, in turn activating relay 33 and causing its associated switchcontrol 33a to close. This will place B plus voltage across relaywinding 37, causing its associated contact 370 to close when ground isconnected to its other side through the closure of push-button switch18a. When contact 37a closes, this will cause current to flow throughsolenoid 47, since its other end is grounded and the function controlledby that solenoid winding will be initiated. When the operator allows thejoy stick assembly to once more assume its neutral vertical position,current will no longer flow through solenoid winding 47 sincepush-button switch 18a will open. This results in the termination of thefunction controlled by solenoid winding 47. I

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, there is illustrated an hydraulicvalve box actuator, controlled by two solenoid windings such as 47and-48 in FIG. 7, particularly suited for use in conjunction with theswitch control unit of the present invention.

Disposed within outer cylindrical casing 60 is plunger 68 connected toshaft 70. Shaft 70 is connected to an hydraulic valve box which, forexample, may control the flow of an hydraulic fluid for performing twodifferent functions, depending upon the direction in which shaft 70 ismoved. If, for example, shaft 70 is moved toward the right, as viewed inFIGS. 8 and 10, hydraulic valve box 71 may cause oil to be admittedthrough a first set of ports to cause the front scraper to be raised.Similarly, when shaft 70 is moved toward the left, as viewed in FIGS. 8and 10, hydraulic valve box I 71 may cause oil to flow through a secondset of ports and lower the front scraper.

Plunger 68 is retained in a normally neutral position within cavity 67by spring 69 and is surrounded by solenoid windings 65 and 66 forcreating a magnetic field to move the plunger either to the left or tothe right. The flow of current through solenoid winding 65 will causeplunger 68 to move to the left against the force of spring biasing means69 while the flow of current through solenoid winding 66 will similarlycause plunger 68 to move to the right. Appropriate electrical terminals61, 62, 63, and 64 are provided for connecting solenoid windings 65 and66 to an appropriate source of current. For example, terminals 61, 62,63 and 64 may be interconnected with the circuitry of FIG. 7, in themanner shown therein with respect to solenoid windings 47 and 48.

Thus, if solenoid winding '65 corresponded to solenoid winding 47 inFIG. 7, and solenoid winding 66 corresponded with solenoid winding 48 inFIG. 7, the above-described sequence of operations in FIG. 7, whereinswitch 21a is closed followed by the closure of push-button switch 1811,would result in the flow of current through solenoid winding 65 andraise the front scraper. The release of push-button switch 18a wouldthen cause plunger 68 to return to its neutral position and if theoperator wishes to lower the front scraper, he

would then move the joy stick assembly into engagement with slot 15b tocause push-button switch 181) to close. Current will then flow throughsolenoid winding 66, causing plunger 68 to move toward the right againstthe force of spring-biasing means 69 and shaft 70 will actuate hydraulicvalve box 71 in such a way as to lower the front scraper of the earthmoving rig. Upon release of push-button switch 18b, the force ofspringbiasing means 69 will cause plunger 68 to once again assume itsneutral position in cavity 67.

In the particular embodiment described, solenoid windings 47 and 48control the up and down movement of the front scraper. Similarly,solenoid windings 45 and 46, if embodied in an hydraulic valve boxactuator such as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, could control two otherfunctions of the front scraper. Of course, the above description appliesequally well to the solenoid windings 49, 50, 51 and 52 of the backscraper.

While this invention has been described with particular reference to anearth moving rig incorporating a front and back scraper for purposes ofillustration, it should be realized that the switch control unit isreadily adaptable to any multifunction application wherein consecutivediscrete controllable switching functions are required. Thus, while themanual ease of performing the switching functions with the switchcontrol unit of the present invention makes it particularly suitable foruse in heavy machinery where only a single arm of the operator may beavailable, it should be appreciated that general applications arecontemplated within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it isto be understood that the present invention is not limited to thespecific embodiment described and illustrated herein, but that variousmodifications and alternative arrangements may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined in the heretoappended claims.

I claim:

1. A multiple switch operating unit comprising in combination:

a. a joy stick control having a shaft free to rotate within a hollowstem and said stern being pivotally mounted;

b. rotary switch means insulatedly secured to said hollow stem;

c. said rotary switch means being provided with a continuoussubstantially planar array of contact points;

. contact arm means secured to said shaft for selectively contacting oneof said contact points as said shaft is rotated;

e. a plurality of individually actuable push-button switch means,actuated in response to a predetermined pivotal movement of said stem;

f. said push-button switches being selectively interconnectable witheach of said contact points.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1, further including a pluralityof groups of output devices and circuit means for interconnecting saidmultiple switch operating unit with said groups of output devices, sothat said rotary switch means can select one of said groups and saidpush button switch means can select one output device within saidselected group.

3. The combination set forth in claim 2, further including a pluralityof contact arms mounted on said stem, equal in number to saidpush-button switches, for selectively actuating one of saidpush-buttonswitches when said sleeve is pivotally moved in a predetermineddirection.

4. The combination set forth in claim 3, wherein said means forpivotally mounting said sleeve comprises a ball and socket joint.

5. The combination set forth in claim 4, further including means forconstraining the pivotal movement of said sleeve to one of a pluralityof predetermined directions corresponding to the location of saidpushbutton switches.

6. The combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said output devicescomprise solenoid windings.

7. The combination set forth in claim 6, wherein said solenoid windingscomprise the actuating coils of at least one hydraulic valve boxactuator.

8. The combination set forth in claim 7, wherein said hydraulic valvebox actuator comprises:

a. a plunger normally in a neutral position;

b. a first and a second solenoid winding surrounding said plunger; and

c. a reciprocable output shaft; so that current flow through said firstsolenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a firstdirection and current flow through said second solenoid winding causessaid output shaft to be actuated in a second direction diametricallyopposite to said first direction.

9. The combination set forth in claim 5, wherein said output devicescomprise solenoid windings.

10. The combination set forth in claim 9, wherein said solenoid windingscomprise the actuating coils of at least one hydraulic valve boxactuator.

11. The combination set forth in claim 10, wherein said hydraulic valvebox actuator comprises:

a. a plunger normally in a neutral position;

b. a first and a second solenoid winding surrounding said plunger; and

c. a reciprocable output shaft; so that current flow through said firstsolenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a firstdirection and current flow through said second solenoid winding causessaid output shaft to be actuated in a second direction diametricallyopposite to said first direction.

1. A multiple switch operating unit comprising in combination: a. a joystick control having a shaft free to rotate within a hollow stem andsaid stem being pivotally mounted; b. rotary switch means insulatedlysecured to said hollow stem; c. said rotary switch means being providedwith a continuous substantially planar array of contact points; d.contact arm means secured to said shaft for selectively contacting oneof said contact points as said shaft is rotated; e. a plurality ofindividually actuable push-button switch means, actuated in response toa predetermined pivotal movement of said stem; f. said push-buttonswitches being selectively interconnectable with each of said contactpoints.
 2. The combination set forth in claim 1, further including aplurality of groups of output devices and circuit means forinterconnecting said multiple switch operating unit with said groups ofoutput devices, so that said rotary switch means can select one of saidgroups and said push button switch means can select one output devicewithin said selected group.
 3. The combination set forth in claim 2,further including a plurality of contact arms mounted on said stem,equal in number to said push-button switches, for selectively actuatingone of said push-button switches when said sleeve is pivotally moved ina predetermined direction.
 4. The combination set forth in claim 3,wherein said means for pivotally mounting said sleeve comprises a balland socket joint.
 5. The combination set forth in claim 4, furtherincluding means for constraining the pivotal movement of said sleeve toone of a plurality of predetermined directions corresponding to thelocation of said push-button switches.
 6. The combination set forth inclaim 2, wherein said output devices comprise solenoid windings.
 7. Thecombination set forth in claim 6, wherein said solenoid windingscomprise the actuating coils of at least one hydraulic valve boxactuator.
 8. The combination set forth in claim 7, wherein saidhydraulic valve box actuator comprises: a. a plunger normally in aneutral position; b. a first and a second solenoid winding surroundingsaid plunger; and c. a reciprocable output shaft; so that current flowthrough said first solenoid winding causes said output shaft to beactuated in a first direction and current flow through said secondsolenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in a seconddirection diametrically opposite to said first direction.
 9. Thecombination set forth in claim 5, wherein said output devices comprisesolenoid windings.
 10. The combination set forth in claim 9, whereinsaid solenoid windings comprise the actuatinG coils of at least onehydraulic valve box actuator.
 11. The combination set forth in claim 10,wherein said hydraulic valve box actuator comprises: a. a plungernormally in a neutral position; b. a first and a second solenoid windingsurrounding said plunger; and c. a reciprocable output shaft; so thatcurrent flow through said first solenoid winding causes said outputshaft to be actuated in a first direction and current flow through saidsecond solenoid winding causes said output shaft to be actuated in asecond direction diametrically opposite to said first direction.